The Miles Sanders Era has not gone according to plan in Carolina, and the Panthers could trade him following their Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Originally signed to a four-year, $25.4 million contract, the former Philadelphia Eagle was supposed to inherit the vacated Christian McCaffrey role in the offense. While nobody expected him to match McCaffrey’s gaudy production, the Panthers believed the former second-round pick could lead this rushing attack and serve as a reliable security blanket for 2023 first-round pick Bryce Young.
Unfortunately, that never happened. Sanders was one of the worst backs in the league in 2023, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry and losing the starting job to Chuba Hubbard after just five games. While he has played better in 2024, the big-money free agent is still Hubbard’s backup and will fall further down the depth chart when second-round pick Jonathon Brooks returns to full strength. With this in mind, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that the Panthers are “open” to a Miles Sanders trade. While he won’t net a large return, teams like the Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys could take a shot on him.
The Panthers are getting multiple calls from teams interested in trading for former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. At this time, Carolina is not considering moving him. The Panthers were encouraged by his improvements and overall commitment to the team in his return to the field…
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) November 2, 2024
Panthers “Open” To A Miles Sanders Trade – Chargers, Cowboys Likely Targets
The Los Angeles Chargers enter Week 9 with a comfortable 4-3 record. Unfortunately for them, however, they share a difficult division with the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs and the 5-3 Denver Broncos. Winning the AFC West is probably out of the question, but they can still secure a Wild Card spot if they make the right moves at the trade deadline. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has done a solid job of removing the stink of the Brandon Staley Era, and a healthy Justin Herbert is playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the league. While the core pieces are in place, this team could trade for Miles Sanders as a low-cost, medium-reward investment.
Harbaugh believes in the power of the running game more than arguably any other coach in the league. The coach spent the offseason talking about the importance of winning in the trenches and then put his money where his mouth was when he selected offensive tackle Joe Alt over wide receiver Malik Nabers. While the tackles are playing well, the running back depth chart needs some help. Former Raven J.K. Dobbins has overcome the odds to put together a great season, but fellow free agent signee Gus Edwards is on the injured reserve and didn’t play well when healthy. Miles Sanders could be a valuable backup and shouldn’t cost more than a late-round pick in a trade.
The Wide-Open Backfield
The Dallas Cowboys lost Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans and never found a true replacement. Rather than spend up in free agency or invest in the NFL Draft, owner Jerry Jones decided to roll with career journeyman Rico Dowdle and the aging Ezekiel Elliott. While Dowdle has been adequate, Elliott is clearly past his prime and is causing off-field turmoil. The Cowboys benched Elliott for Week 9, and the former top-five may have played his last game with America’s Team.
At 3-4, the Cowboys might not trade for Miles Sanders if they lose to the Atlanta Falcons. However, if they take down the NFC South leaders, then they should pursue Sanders. Head coach Mike McCarthy will not be back in 2025 if he can’t guide this team on a deep playoff run, but Jones won’t sign off on a blockbuster trade. Sanders might be the most cost-effective option available, as he should earn touches in this wide-open backfield.
Main Photo: Amber Searls – USA Today Sports
